Criminal Psychology Level 3

In the opening unit, you’ll delve into some of the theories that help to explain criminal behaviour. You’ll take a look at psychoanalytical and social learning theories, and also examine the social factors that are thought to have an impact on criminal behaviour.

The use of civilian witnesses in court is hugely relevant to the smooth operation of the criminal justice system. However, the effectiveness of eye witnesses and their impact on criminal trials is still questioned. This unit will discuss the accuracy of eye witness testimony, explain the factors that can improve it, and discuss the factors that affect children as witnesses. Alongside eye witness testimony, this unit will describe ear witness testimony and how that can be of relevance within criminal trials.

Guilty or not guilty? This unit will discuss the factors affecting jury decision making, as well as how the final decision is made, and how effective this process is.

Guilty or not guilty? This unit will discuss the factors affecting jury decision making, explaining how they make their decision, and evaluate the effectiveness of jury decision making. The jury decide the fate of the accused, but you can learn how they have such a bearing on a criminal trial and build a career to help in influencing their decision in court.

Interpersonal violence may be physical, sexual or psychological; you’ll examine all three within this unit. You’ll learn the theories behind why people commit rape; explore rape myths, and the impact these have on levels of crime. You’ll also take a look at the physiological causes and impact of domestic violence and child abuse.

This unit focuses on the psychological impact of becoming a victim of crime, the range of methods aimed at preventing someone committing the crime, the approaches to treating offenders, as well as the effectiveness of risk assessments.